As comic book and movie fans get ready for the upcoming third installment of the "Dark Knight" trilogy, they might be saddened by the different rumors going around regarding the Caped Crusader hanging up his tights - or in this case, his exo-suit.

However, the news of this so-called "retirement" is no rumor.

"Confirming long-standing rumors, Christian Bale revealed in an interview with The Philippine Daily Enquirer that 'The Dark Knight Rises' will be the final Batman movie for both himself and director Christopher Nolan," reported NextMovie.com.

Bale and Nolan first worked together in the first Batman movie rebot, and eventually made the second Batman movie "The Dark Knight." Outside the Batman trilogy, they have worked together in 2006 in "The Prestige," which starred Hugh Jackman and Scarlett Johansson alongside Bale.

Actor Christian Bale reacts after winning the Oscar for Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role backstage at the 83rd Academy Awards in Hollywood, California, February 27, 2011. REUTERS/Mike Blake

The announcement did not come as a surprise, however, since "The Dark Knight Rises," which is set to be released as a summer blockbuster in July 2012, will mark as the third Batman movie Nolan and Bale have done together in the last seven years.

"Considering how successful the franchise has been -- 2008's "The Dark Knight" earned over a billion dollars worldwide by itself -- both fans and executives at Warner Bros. can be forgiven for hoping they would keep at it for a long time to come," reported Nextmovie.com.

This may signify the end of Bale donning the cowl of the Dark Knight, but it does not mean that this is the last project that the two will have together, considering that they have worked together in the 2006 mystery thriller film, "The Prestige."

Nolan tends to keep his 'favorite' actors nearby, which is the case for Tom Hardy. Hardy will play Bane in the upcoming Batman movie alongside Bale, was previously featured in Nolan's 2010 science fiction blockbuster, "Inception" alongside Leonardo DiCaprio.

The teaser trailer for the last film has been shown in cinemas, and fans are excited. When this blockbuster finally gets released, Batman will surely be missed.